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Evaluating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of fruiting body and mycelium extracts from edible yellow morel (Morchella esculenta L. Pers.)

Summary

This study examined morel mushrooms from Pakistan to see if they could help treat Alzheimer’s disease and related brain conditions. Researchers tested both the fruiting bodies and the root-like mycelia of Morchella esculenta mushrooms for their ability to fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and inhibit an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for memory. The results showed that morel extracts, especially from fruiting bodies collected in certain regions, worked as well as or better than conventional medications, suggesting these common edible mushrooms could be developed into treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Current treatments have limitations and side effects, creating need for natural alternatives. Morchella esculenta mushrooms are emerging as promising therapeutic candidates due to their rich secondary metabolites.

Objective

To assess and compare the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of fruiting bodies and mycelium extracts from Morchella esculenta collected from various regions of Pakistan. The study explored the potential of morels in Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Results

KMFB and MJFB fruiting body extracts showed significant free radical scavenging activity. SKFB demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 of 10.94 µg/mL. KMFB and KMM extracts showed significantly higher anti-acetylcholinesterase activity than donepezil. KMFB acts as a competitive inhibitor while KMM exhibits noncompetitive inhibition, with apigenin-7-O-glucoside showing strong enzyme binding.

Conclusion

M. esculenta extracts demonstrate significant therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory mechanisms. The fruiting body extracts show superior efficacy compared to mycelia and conventional drugs, opening pathways for potential therapeutic strategies in Alzheimer’s disease treatment.
  • Published in:Journal of Food Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39865641, DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17619
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